Top 10 Excuses for Being Late to a RECon Meeting

My Last Meeting Ran Overtime

With lots of people running late and plenty of business to be discussed, it's a common occurrence for RECon meetings to start and end later than expected. Don't worry, though--chances are the other party is facing the same predicament and may get to the meeting place even later than you do.

I Was Coming from the North/South Hall

Given the size of the Las Vegas Convention Center--3.2 million sq. ft.--it takes a surprisingly long time to get from one end of the facility to the other. Don't believe the mirage--the North Hall only looks like it's a short walk away.

I Thought We Were Meeting at Your Booth/My Booth

In the weeks preceding the convention, everyone tries to keep tabs on multiple email exchanges discussing meeting times and places. But with dozens of appointments every day it's easy to forget or mix up the particulars. So while you are nervously checking your watch waiting at their booth, they may be doing the same at yours.

I Ran Into a Client on the Way Here

This is one of the few times a year when the entire retail real estate community finds itself in the same place at the same time. It's not uncommon to run into people you haven't seen since last May and of course you will want to stop and chat or act on that potential new business opportunity while it's hot. Your next meeting will probably start late anyway.

It Took Forever to Get a Cab

Cabs are one of the most common ways to get around bright light city and with some of the biggest retail developers, including Simon Property Group and the Westfield Group, setting up their camps at hotels outside the convention center, many executives will be running to and from. Unfortunately, with thousands of convention attendees in town, in addition to tourists, expect to brave extra-long cab lines. They'll make getting a cab in New York City seem like a breeze.

The Buses Were Full

Another option for getting from your hotel or your appointment with Simon to RECon headquarters is to take one of the buses that circle the route to the convention center. Of course, those don't always arrive on schedule either and get filled up pretty quickly.

There Was Too Much Traffic

Vegas is a busy city, so once you get into your cab or bus, it's not uncommon to spend some time in heavy traffic. You can use the time to practice your sales pitch or your project presentation. And of course, rehearse the required sigh when you explain away your lateness.

The Line at Starbucks Was Super Long

With so much going on, it's understandable that everyone will be aching for a cup of coffee, especially before an important meeting. But getting coffee, or any other nutritious substance, at RECon is not for the faint of heart. Do you see that line at Starbucks 50 people deep? Get in at the end of it.

My Calendar Mixed Up My Appointments

Given that the convention draws real estate executives from all over the country, if not all over the world, setting your meeting calendar to Pacific Time is of utmost importance. Especially when you'll be under the influence of dry desert air and last night's alcohol. Otherwise you'll spend three days trying to figure out whether you are supposed to be at the North Hall at noon or at 3:00 p.m.--and running late or showing up for meetings several hours early.

I Have Desert Sickness (Translation: “I Have a Killer Hangover and Forgot We Had a Meeting”)

The retail real estate industry is not all about work. There is plenty of partying in Vegas as well, with everyone trying to make it to multiple soirees each evening. Unfortunately, combining work and play is fraught with its own challenges, including amnesia-inducing headaches in the morning.

For many in the commercial real estate industry, the clock is ticking down to one of the biggest conventions of the year--ICSC's annual RECon show in Las Vegas. With tens of thousands of attendees fitting in as many business meetings as possible into their busy calendars and multiple industry parties taking place each night, being late to an appointment or two (or 10) is almost to be expected. Here, to help get you off the hook, are some of the most common excuses for being late to a RECon meeting.